OPC-N3 Power Requirements

[yash-dahima]

Hi @Nighthater,

Thanks for this work. I do not have much experience in electronics, so I am facing some trouble in providing proper power to the OPC-N3. Please suggest me how should I power it when using it with along either ESP32 or Raspberry Pi?

Should I power it via RPi/ESP or should I power it separately via 5V mobile charging adapter? I tried to power it via ESP32 Vin and GND pins, but its not working. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :)

[Nighthater]

Hi @yash-dahima,

You can power the OPC with either the VIN/GND pins (RPi: 5V/GND) or a 5V Charging adapter. When using an external power supply, like an external charger, make sure that the GND of the Charger and the GND of the ESP/RPi are connected together.

The sensor also won't power on after supplying it with power. You have to send it commands to start up and start measuring data.

Do you currently use an ESP or a RPi to interface with the OPC?
You should also consider that the SPI logic levels on the OPC-N3 Sensor are 3.3V, despite its 5V power supply. I chose an ESP because of that. A RPi uses 5V logic and probably wont recognize a 3.3V high Signal.

[yash-dahima]

Thanks you very much @Nighthater for your prompt response. I will attempt as per your suggestions and will let you know how it goes.
Again thanks and best wishes :)